UPDATE: Maine Congressional withdraws from race

“I want to do what is best for my party and at this time I believe my resources and energy will be better spent helping Republicans win Maine’s 2nd, working to keep the governor’s mansion and retaking the majority in the legislature. Therefore, I will be suspending my campaign for the 2nd Congressional District as of today,” Willette wrote in an email to supporters.

—

Maine state Rep. Alexander Willette is considering ending his congressional bid later this week as a result of health issues, The Daily Caller has learned.

Willette, a Republican and the assistant minority leader in the Maine House, announced last month he would run for the seat currently held by Democratic Rep. Michael Michaud. Michaud is vacating the seat to run for governor. The 24-year-old touted his youth as a benefit to his candidacy.

Reached by phone, Willette acknowledged that he was considering leaving the race, but said that he was still “in the final decision making process” and that no decision had yet been made “for sure.” He did not give a reason why he was considering leaving the race. An announcement is likely to come later on Wednesday.

A source involved in Maine Republican politics said that Willette was suffering from migraines that made him temporarily blind, and that those had prompted him to consider withdrawing.